Shoulder stabilizing exercise bench cover

ABSTRACT

A shoulder stabilizing bench cover for use within exercise bench during weight training exercise. The cover has a top surface having a high degree of static friction with clothing and/or a person&#39;s body. The top surface is placed on top of an exercise bench and held in place by straps that wrap around the bench and removably affixed to each other using a belt or other mechanism. The cover may include one or more elastic components to facilitate fixed engagement with an exercise bench. In use, an exerciser places the cover in the region of the exercise bench where he or she intends to position his or her shoulder blades. An exerciser then lies down over the cover and pulls his or her shoulder blades together. The static friction imparted by the bench cover prevents an exerciser shoulder blades from moving laterally. As a result, an exerciser maintains the proper posture, having his or her shoulders pulled back and substantially in mobile during a bench press or other exercise performed on the exercise bench.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/311,889 filed on Mar. 22, 2016, the contents of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC AND INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF THE MATERIAL

Not Applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an exercise accessory to assist in stabilizing correct posture while exercising. More particularly, the invention relates to a bench cover that may be removably affixed to an exercise bench and uses friction to properly align an exerciser shoulder blades and hold them in the correct position.

Description of the Related Art

Tests in the field of sports science have shown that chest muscle exercise, such as e.g. bench pressing, on conventional exercise devices can often lead to shoulder discomfort. Exercise machines are often not ergonomically designed and are not adequately to the anatomical build of the human shoulder joint (articulatio humeri). In particular, the movement amplitude of the shoulder blade (scapula) is often minimized in this case. As a consequence, the head of the humerus (caput humeri) is excessively pressed into the joint socket of the shoulder joint (cavitas glenoidalis).

By way of example, if the elbows move downward or backward (dorsally) as a result of a downward movement of the barbell during conventional bench pressing, a retraction of the shoulder blade can be reduced due to the back lying on the bench, as a result of which there can be a horizontal hyperextension of the humerus. During the last phase of an upward movement (ventral), when the barbell is pressed away from the body, the protraction can be inhibited. This causes a horizontal hyperflexion of the humerus, and the respective shoulder blade and the humerus do not move synergistically.

The preferred posture for bench presses another exercises includes having the shoulder blades pulled toward the center of the back and the shoulders pushed in a posterior direction. Common benches used for weight training generally have a narrow flat padded area. When an exerciser attempts to position his or her shoulders in the preferred configuration for a bench press, the bench itself tends to push the shoulder blades out and thus makes proper posture more difficult. In addition, exercise benches tend to be covered in a plastic, slippery material. This may be generally hygienic because it allows for easy cleaning of the exercise equipment. However, the slippery surface can be dangerous. If a portion of an exerciser's body slips on the exercise bench surface while performing a bench press or other exercise, he or she may lose his balance and injury can result.

In general, the aforementioned anatomical problems may occur in all forms of exercise for the chest, shoulder or triceps muscles (m. triceps brachii) where both arms are moved together against a force vector which has a frontal component and the back should therefore be supported, preferably by means of a bench, against this component of the force vector. Therefore, from the biomechanical point of view, the shoulder blade should be able to pull back sufficiently at this point in order to allow the subscapularis an improved contraction and therefore reduce or avoid a harmful anterior shearing force at the rear humerus.

In view of the foregoing, it is desirable to provide a method for positioning and exerciser in a correct posture and stabilizing that position to prevent unwanted movement of the exercise while weight training.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed is a shoulder stabilizing exercise accessory comprises a flexible pad configured to extend across a width of an exercise bench, transverse to a length of the exercise bench. The accessory may have two lateral elastic regions positioned on opposing sides of the pad. Two opposing straps extend laterally from the lateral elastic pad and have complimentary buckle mechanisms at their distal ends providing removable attachment. The flexible pad has a top surface providing static friction sufficient to prevent lateral motion of an exerciser's shoulder blades when performing a bench press.

In another embodiment, a shoulder stabilizing exercise accessory comprises a flexible pad configured to extend across a width of an exercise bench, transverse to a length of the exercise bench. Two opposing elastic straps extend laterally from the pad and have complimentary buckle mechanisms at their distal ends providing removable attachment. The flexible pad has a top surface providing static friction sufficient to prevent lateral motion of an exerciser's shoulder blades when performing a bench press.

A weight training exercise method comprises providing a shoulder stabilizing exercise accessory comprising a pad configured to extend across a width of an exercise bench, transverse to a length of the exercise bench, two lateral elastic regions positioned on opposing sides of the pad, and at least two opposing straps extending laterally from the lateral elastic pad having complimentary buckle mechanisms at their distal ends providing removable attachment, wherein the flexible pad has a top surface providing static friction sufficient to prevent lateral motion of an exerciser's shoulder blades when performing a bench press. An exerciser places the shoulder stabilizing exercise accessory over an exercise bench positioned such that the pad lies on a top of the exercise bench. The accessory is then secured to the shoulder stabilizing exercise accessory to the bench by connecting the complimentary buckle mechanism underneath the bench. An exerciser is positioned on the bench such that the exerciser's shoulder blades are pulled inward toward each other and lie on top of the pad. Exercises such a bench press is then performed bench presses with the exerciser's shoulder blades are held in the pulled inward position by the pad.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an exercise bench cover that allows an exerciser to maintain in a stable manner.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a shoulder stabilizing bench cover in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a shoulder stabilizing bench cover in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective environmental view of an alternative embodiment of a shoulder stabilizing bench cover in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a shoulder stabilizing bench cover affixed to an exercise bench in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a shoulder stabilizing bench cover affixed to an exercise bench in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of a shoulder stabilizing exercise bench cover in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of another alternative embodiment of a shoulder stabilizing exercise bench cover affixed to an exercise bench in accordance with principles of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation environmental view of another alternative embodiment of a shoulder stabilizing exerciser bench cover being used by an exerciser in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of a shoulder stabilizing exercise bench cover in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of another alternative embodiment of a shoulder stabilizing exerciser bench cover in accordance with the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Disclosed is a shoulder stabilizing bench cover for use with an exercise bench during weight training exercises, and specifically bench presses. The cover has a upper, or top, surface, at least a region of which has a high level of static friction with clothing and/or a person's body. The top surface is placed on top of an exercise bench and held in place by straps that wrap around the bench and connect to each other using a fastener, such as a buckle, Velcro®, hook and eye, or other mechanism. The cover may include one or more elastic components to facilitate fixed engagement with an exercise bench. In use, an exerciser places the cover in the region of the exercise bench where he or she intends to position his or her shoulder blades. An exerciser then lies down over the cover and pulls his or her shoulder blades together. The static friction imparted by the bench cover prevents an exerciser's shoulder blades from moving laterally during exercises, such as bench presses. As a result, an exerciser maintains the proper posture, having his or her shoulders pulled back and substantially in mobile during a bench press or other exercise performed on the exercise bench. Because the region of static friction does not extend to the exercier's lumbar spine or neck, the exerciser may still adjust his or her weight or balance and improve core strength.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a shoulder stabilizing bench cover 10 having a planar body 11 which has a high static friction region 12 covering most of the upper surface 13 of the planar body 11, two elastic lateral regions 14 and four straps 16, each extending outward from the corners 24 of the cover. Of the four straps 16, two have a male end of a buckling mechanism 20 located at their distal ends and the other two opposing straps having a complimentary female end of a buckling mechanism 22. The complimentary buckle mechanisms allow the straps to be removably securely affixed to one another. The high static friction region 12 may be positioned over an exercise bench at a preferred location. Next the straps 16 are wrapped around the bench and the buckles connected across the underside of the bench.

Other types of connecting mechanisms, such as buttons, laces, snaps, hook and loop and the like may be used instead of the buckles shown in FIG. 1. The high static friction region 12 is comprised of any suitable material and may be rigid semirigid or flexible. It may include an upper surface made of rubber or other material providing sufficient static friction to hold an exerciser in place. Optionally, the entire body 11 may be a unitary component and comprised entirely of a single material, such as for example rubber. Optionally, the body 11 may have two or more layers of different materials and may optionally include internal padding.

The elastic lateral regions 14 may be comprised of a suitable elastic material that allows the straps 16 to extend a sufficient distance to wrap around a bench and buckle together. The straps may also optionally be elastic and/or have an adjustable length.

FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment 30 of a shoulder stabilizing bench cover in accordance with the principles of the invention. As with bench cover 10 in FIG. 1, the shoulder stabilizing bench cover 30 includes four straps 34 extending laterally from the corners 36 of the pad 32. The straps 34 each include a buckling mechanism at their distal ends. In this embodiment, shoulder stabilizing bench cover 30 does not include separate elastic lateral regions. Instead, the straps 34 themselves are comprised of an elastic material. Optionally, the straps may have an adjustable length by means of, for example, a sliding buckle.

FIG. 3 shows an exercise bench 40 having the shoulder stabilizing bench cover 30 removably affixed. The exercise bench 40 is one component of a common type of exercise equipment commonly used for bench presses and other exercises. It includes a frame 44 supported by a post 42 and two support beams 43 affixed to posts 46. Posts 46 include a plurality of shelves configured to support a barbell or similar device. To use the shoulder stabilizing bench cover 30, it is positioned and removably secured to a region 45 of the bench 40 where an exerciser desires to place his or her shoulders. The exerciser then pulls his or her shoulders medially toward each other and lies on the bench 40 so that his or her shoulder blades lie directly on top of the bench cover 30. The friction pad 32 prevents the exerciser's shoulder blades from moving laterally away from each other and holds them in place. Thus, when the exerciser performs a bench press or other exercise, the proper posture for the exercise is stabilized and maintained. As a result, injuries are prevented and exercise is more effective.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the shoulder stabilizing bench cover 30 affixed to another exercise bench 50. Bench 50 is supported by a two-part frame, having a first part 52 and a second part 54. The bench cover 30 is positioned in a location where an exerciser and tends to rest his or her shoulders. FIG. 5 provides a side view showing the friction pad 32 on top of the bench 50 and the straps 34 wrapped underneath the bench 50 and connected at buckle 40.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an alternative embodiment of a shoulder stabilizing bench cover 60 in accordance with the principles of the invention. In this embodiment, the shoulder stabilizing bench cover 60 has a body 62 and the two opposing straps 64 are formed from a single, unitary piece of material. The high static friction region 68 on the upper surface 70 of the body 62 is therefore coextensive with the shoulder stabilizing bench cover 60. The straps 64 each have a fastener 72 complementary to the fastener 72 on the opposing strap 64. In this embodiment, the fasteners 72 are complementary strips of hook and loop material. The bench cover 60 is wrapped around an exercise bench 74 and secured in place by engaging the fasteners 72 with each other. The shoulder stabilizing bench cover 60 has a uniform thickness.

FIG. 8 shows a method of using the shoulder stabilizing bench cover 60 of FIGS. 6 and 7 in accordance with the principles of the invention. An exerciser 80 has positioned the bench cover 60 on the bench 74 at a location corresponding to the region of the bench 74 where the exerciser 80 is placing his shoulder blades. The exerciser 80 pulls his or her shoulder blades together toward the center of the back prior to placing them on the bench cover 60. As a result, the bench cover 60 holds the shoulder blades, and thus the shoulders themselves, in the correct position while the exerciser performs an exercise such as a bench press.

The bench cover 60 accommodates only the shoulder region 82 and does not engage the exerciser's neck 84 or lumbar region 86. The bench cover 60 therefore does not inhibit motion of any region of an exerciser's body except for the shoulder region 82. Because it does not offer support for the neck 84, lumbar region 86 or other parts of the exerciser's body, the bench cover 60 is able to anchor the exerciser's shoulders in the correct position while simultaneously improving core strength by requiring the exerciser to maintain position and balance of his or her overall body. This also improves the safety of performing a bench press, even when using extremely large weights, by allowing the exerciser to shift other regions of his or her body to balance the weight being lifted. In this embodiment, the bench cover 60 is relatively thin and is not substantially raise an exerciser's shoulders above the bench 74. Optionally, the bench cover 60 may be thicker, such as for example being two or three inches thick, thereby raising an exerciser's shoulders above the bench 74. Use of a thicker bench cover may further increase the use of core muscles and thus result in a more complete workout.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show another alternative embodiment of a shoulder stabilizing bench cover 90 in accordance with the principles of the invention. The shoulder stabilizing bench cover 90 has a body 92 that has a figure-8 shape. The shape of a bench cover may vary so long as it provides one or more high static friction regions 94 corresponding to an exerciser shoulder blades. In this embodiment, there are two high static friction regions 94 having a triangular shape corresponding more closely to the shoulder blades specifically. Two opposing straps 96 and 98 extend in opposite directions from the body 92. The first opposing strap 96 has a fastener 100 that is a hook at its distal end 102. The second opposing strap 98 has a plurality of fasteners 104, that are in the form of eyes, located at its distal end 106. The eye and hook fasteners 100 and 104 are removably attachable to each other. By providing a plurality of eye fasteners 104, the overall length of the bench cover 90 when engaged to itself may be adjusted.

Whereas, the present invention has been described in relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention. Descriptions of the embodiments shown in the drawings should not be construed as limiting or defining the ordinary and plain meanings of the terms of the claims unless such is explicitly indicated.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

1. A shoulder stabilizing bench cover comprising: a planar body having an upper surface and sized to fit on the top of an exercise bench; at least one high static friction region on the upper surface of the body; and, two opposing straps extending in opposite directions from the body, each opposing strap having a distal end having a fastener complimentary to the fastener of the other opposing strap; wherein the at least one high static friction region is sized to cover a portion of an exercise bench large enough to accommodate the shoulder blades of a user without extending underneath a neck and a lumbar region of a spine of a user.
 2. The shoulder stabilizing bench cover of claim 1 wherein the shoulder stabilizing bench cover is formed from a single piece of material.
 3. The shoulder stabilizing bench cover of claim 2 wherein the planar body has a uniform thickness.
 4. The shoulder stabilizing bench cover of claim 2 wherein the at least one high static friction region is coextensive with the upper surface of the body.
 5. The shoulder stabilizing bench cover of claim 4 wherein the at least one high static friction region is coextensive with the entire shoulder stabilizing bench cover.
 6. The shoulder stabilizing bench cover of claim 5 wherein the at least two opposing straps are adjustable.
 7. The shoulder stabilizing bench cover of claim 5 wherein the at least two opposing straps are elastic.
 8. The shoulder stabilizing bench cover of claim 1 wherein the at least one high static friction region comprises two high static friction regions and the bench cover has bilateral symmetry.
 9. The shoulder stabilizing bench cover of claim 1 wherein the body further comprises two elastic lateral regions from which the at least two opposing straps extend laterally.
 10. The shoulder stabilizing bench cover of claim 1 wherein the at least two opposing straps comprise two sets of two opposing straps.
 11. A posture stabilizing bench cover comprising: a flexible pad configured to extend across a width of an exercise bench, transverse to a length of the exercise bench; at least two opposing elastic straps extending laterally from the pad having complimentary buckle mechanisms at their distal ends and providing removable attachment; wherein the flexible pad has a top surface providing static friction sufficient to prevent movement of an exerciser's shoulder blades when performing a bench press.
 12. A method for weight training exercise comprising: providing a shoulder stabilizing bench cover comprising; a planar body having an upper surface and sized to fit on the top of an exercise bench; at least one high static friction region on the upper surface of the body; and, two opposing adjustable straps extending laterally from the body, each opposing strap having a distal end having a fastener complimentary to the fastener of the other opposing strap; wherein the at least one high static friction region is sized to cover a portion of an exercise bench large enough to accommodate the shoulder blades of a user without extending underneath a neck and a lumbar region of a spine of a user. positioning the body of the shoulder stabilizing cover over a top of an exercise bench; securing the should stabilizing cover to the bench by connecting the complimentary fasteners underneath the exercise bench; positioning an exerciser on the bench such that the exerciser's shoulder blades are pulled medially toward each and located on the high static friction region of the upper surface; performing bench presses while the exerciser's shoulder blades are held stationary by the shoulder stabilizing cover. 